A NEW study of pregnant women has revealed that acupuncture can speed labour.
TCM Acupuncture reduced the active phase of labour, although the women did not deliver the baby any sooner.
In a study of 100 pregnant women who were about to give birth, 48 were given TCM acupuncture and the rest had standard care.
Those given TCM acupuncture had an average active phase of 4.4 hours compared with 6.1 hours in the standard-care group.
Delivery time was marginally better in the TCM acupuncture group - 29.1 hours compared with 32.7 hours in the standard-care group - though researchers felt it was too slight to be significant.
TCM Accupuncture is the most obvious symbol of traditional Chinese medicine worldwide.
In practice, is the gentle insertion of hair-fine needles into specific body points treats health at the level of Qi.
The Qi (pronounced "chee") is the life force or the subtle vital energy that motivates all living things. "Acu" comes from the Greek root word "acus" which means needle.
The Meridian Theory
The invisible Qi is believed to circulate via a system of main channels, the principal ones being the meridian (or channels) as well as through the blood (Xue).
This gives the vital force to all living matter. The conduits resemble those of the vascular or nervous system. Each has a network of main channels and minor capillaries.
When the Qi flows well, there is harmony and balance. If it is blocked or stagnates, then disease results.
Needles are inserted along these meridians in an attempt to influence the flow to the internal organs. This can have a profound effect on the structure and function of these organs.
The development of TCM acupuncture needles began in 1766-154 BC (Sheng Dynasty). Chinese doctors began to use stone probes to adjust the vital energy in their patients' bodies and maIntain harmony of body, mind and spirit.
The concept of acupuncture was recorded in Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen ("The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine".
According to historians, Bian Que was the first person to practise TCM acupuncture. He brought a person out of coma by applying needles. The Chinese regard him as the first truly professional physician.
